The Taff Trail is well known by Cardiffians. Tourists are recommended the hotspots of the trail – such as Bute Park or Castell Coch. But there is so much more to see. It doesn’t even take that much time to complete, especially if you are on a bike. Here’s everything you want to know about the Taff Trail in Cardiff.
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The Taff Trail in Cardiff, Wales
Run, walk the dog or ride your bike; so many people enjoy the Taff Trail in Cardiff.
If you live in Cardiff, you’ll know the walkways and cycle paths along your route. But are you confident enough to describe the trail even further? It is mentioned often in conversation about wanting to cycle up to Castell Coch or the other way to Cardiff Bay. Or walking more of the trail, but even I struggled to find a detailed explanation of the route and what you can see and do along the way. Hence this blog post!
I grew up in Gabalfa and Llandaff North and know this part of the trail well. As teenagers, we would ride our bikes to Castell Coch, much to the dismay of our parents – as it was seen as too far away. However, the majority is on a path, and only the few instances of roads are in quieter city areas.
At the start of lockdown, I had a bike for my birthday. It was the first-time back peddling for too many years to mention. With furlough and the great weather we had, I was able to rediscover the Taff Trail in Cardiff, helping me to write this guide. Cycling is the best way to see all of the Taff Trail. Anyway, enough about me, let’s get into the information you’re looking for!
What is the Taff Trail?
The Taff Trail runs between Brecon and Cardiff for 55 miles (88.5 km). It is also The National Cycle Network Route 8, a mixture of riverside paths, railway paths and forest roads. In Cardiff, the Taff Trail starts in Cardiff Bay and follows the River Taff through to Tongwynlais.
The route is about 16.5 miles (26.5 km) and would take between 40-60 minutes by bike or about 3 hours to walk, depending on your skill level. As Cardiff is one of the flattest cities in Britain, the trail is easy to navigate. There are plenty of places to stop and admire the surroundings. The hill up to Castell Coch will be the most challenging part.
Taff Trail Code of Conduct
There are a couple of rules to be followed along the Taff Trail:
- Keep left and pass on the right
- Use your bell so that you can be seen and heard
- Pedestrians have priority
- Pass pedestrians at a safe distance
- Ride at a sensible speed
- Please dispose of all litter in the bins or take it home
Taff Trail Cardiff to Castell Coch
The starting point
The start point for the Taff Trail is in Roald Dahl Plass in Cardiff Bay. Look for the Celtic Ring structure by the waterfront. You’ll see a commemorative plaque on the floor beginning the trail. Head towards the city centre, turning left at the Wales Millennium Centre along James Street. You’ll pass Cardiff Bay Police station, which will be on your right, over the bridge before crossing the road and joining the trail.
Side Note. The separate Cardiff Bay trail is 6.2 miles (10km). Again, you can start at the plague and go towards St David’s Hotel. Here you’ll find the Cardiff Wetlands. The trail continues through a park in Butetown, to Penarth Marina and then over the barrage back towards the Bay.
Cardiff Castle and Bute Park
At this part of the trail, you’ll enter Bute Park. It is the largest park in Cardiff. It is behind Cardiff Castle. If you wanted to, you could stop in the castle grounds. As you enter Bute Park, there’s Pettigrew Tea Rooms – where you can get an incredible afternoon tea. Or as you travel through the Summerhouse Café or the Secret Garden. Keep an eye out for the Gorsedd Stone Circle and Blackfriars Friary.
Sophia Gardens
At the Summerhouse Café, you could cross the bridge and pass-through Sophia Gardens. It is the home of Glamorgan Cricket and is also a hub for sport in Cardiff. You arrive at Blackweir Bridge. If you decide not to cross, you’ll also reach here.
Blackweir Bridge
The bridge is another fantastic stopping point. Take a moment to rest your legs or refuel watching dogs play in the shallows, or at the right time of year, you can see salmon leaping upstream. You can continue along the trail on this side of the path. Or, if you want to cross, you can cycle through Pontcanna Fields. Both routes lead to Gabalfa.
Pontcanna Fields
If you decide to ride through Pontcanna Fields, please note that you will need to cross a major road (via traffic lights). If you are a very confident rider, you can stay on the road (Western Avenue). However, most choose to ride on the pavement. It isn’t a busy pedestrian road, but make sure you prioritise them. Pontcanna Fields is another ample green space, with football pitches and sports fields. The big highlight is an avenue of 100 elm trees with a horse-riding school at the end.
Llandaff Fields
Another offshoot of the trail is Llandaff Fields. Again, with tennis courts, playing fields and a playpark. Café Castan is at the entrance to the park, and they make incredible homemade pizza. Or grab a drink at the Halfway pub. You could discover Llandaff Cathedral nearby, which was founded in 120. You can re-join the trail and head towards Gabalfa.
Gabalfa
The next part of the trail, still following the River Taff, takes you through the suburb of Gabalfa. You’ll pass the large Tesco Extra and travel underneath the A48 (Western Avenue). Follow to Llandaff Weir, where Llandaff Rowing Club is on the other side of the river. Another top resting spot.
Hailey Park
From the weir is a narrow path into Hailey Park. The park contains a large area of sports pitches – rugby, football and in the summer, baseball and tennis courts. There’s a large playground for children. An ice-cream van can be found in the car park on lovely days if you want to stop here.
Forest Farm
Leaving Hailey Park takes you into Whitchurch. There are cycle lanes on the wide pavements, or you can cycle on the road until you reach the Melingriffith Water Pump. It is a reminder of Cardiff’s industrial past, built-in 1749. Turn left into a housing estate and re-join the trail.
There are two cycle routes here, one going directly on to Radyr. Or, you can explore Forest Farm Nature Reserve. Follow the route of the old Glamorgan Canal, which linked Cardiff to the south Wales Valleys. Before rail, coal was transported down to Cardiff Bay to be shipped worldwide. Take in the wildlife, including kingfishers, squirrels, various birds of prey, herons and ducks. Asides from the peaceful paths, there are picnic benches to lounge on.
Radyr
The Radyr section of the Taff Trail is a small part. The section runs past Cardiff Harlequins Rugby Club to Radyr Weir. Another great place to stop, with lots of seats, picnic benches and large rocks to sit on. The water to the right of the weir is calm, so you may see some stand up paddleboarders.
Tongwynlais
The path winds past some fields and cottages and through the underpass. You’ll arrive in the small village of Tongwynlais. You will need to ride on the main road. However, the locals are used to cyclists. The Lewis Arms is on the corner of Castle Road. It has a small beer garden where you can get a bite to eat or a refreshing drink. From here, you can go up the hill to Castell Coch.
Castell Coch
The fairy-tale castle is found at the top of the hill. The climb and burn in your legs will be worth it. Castell Coch, or the ‘Red Castle’, has highly decorated interiors and rich furnishings. It is a dazzling masterpiece and one of the many castles in Cardiff.
If you have a CADW membership, you get free entry. Or 50% off if you are in your first-year membership with English Heritage. If you have been a member for over a year, admission is free.
The English Heritage has over 400 sites across the country, from Stonehenge, Tintagel Castle near Bude (I LOVED my visit here!), Hadrian’s Wall and Dover Castle. You can even take six children (aged under 18) in for free. There’s also free parking, discounts on special events and other members’ rewards.
Forrest Fawr
If you’d like to extend your time at Castell Coch, Fforest Fawr is the woodland behind the castle. The sculpture trail is a particular favourite, and it follows the story of a sleeping giant who lives in the woods. You’ll find plenty of spots to relax at Fforest Fawr. I recommend picking one where you get spectacular views of Cardiff – which reaches the Bay and Flat Holm Island.
Taffs Well
Instead of going to Castell Coch, you can continue along the Taff Trail towards Taffs Well. Several pubs here welcome cyclists – The Taffs Well Inn or Fagins Ale & Chophouse. If you do not want to cycle back to Cardiff Bay, you can get the train here.
Getting around Cardiff has never been easier
With stops in Taffs Well, Radyr, Whitchurch, Llandaff North, Cathays, two in the city centre – Queen Street and Cardiff Central – plus Cardiff Bay. Getting around Cardiff has never been easier.
There are cycle spaces onboard the trains, but space is limited. If you are in a big cycle group, you may not all be able to get on the same train. However, you can reserve a cycle space when you buy your ticket in advance, at least 24 hours before you travel. Services without reservations are first-come, first-served.
Transport for Wales now offers Multiflex, which gives you 12 journeys for the same price as 5 returns. And, who doesn’t want to save money? If you want to reserve your cycle space with your Multiflex ticket, you can call 0333 3211 202.
How long does it take to cycle the Taff Trail?
It would take around 3 hours and 30 minutes to cycle the 55 miles. So, it takes approximately 7 hours to make the return trip. If you cycle from Cardiff to Brecon, the perk would be that it is mostly downhill on the way home. Walking is about 9 hours and 30 minutes, 19 hours in total.
Taff Trail Pontypridd
I live in Taffs Well, on the edge of Cardiff and RCT. You’ll find me walking Ivan the Irresistible along the trail heading towards Nantgarw and Caerphilly most evenings. Occasionally, I’ll head this way on my bike, which takes me to the industrial heritage town of Pontypridd. The cycle route continues along the river through Glyntaff to Ynysangharad Memorial Park. You will join the trackbed of a disused railway to Merthyr Tydfil.
Some of my friends have got the train to Pontypridd, cycled around the area and then downhill south towards their home in Cardiff.
Taff Trail Map Pontypridd to Cardiff
Taff Trail Merthyr
The final section of the Taff Trail walk or cycling routes runs from Merthyr to Brecon Beacons National Park. Passing Pontsticill, Pentwyn, Talybont Reservoirs and the Blaen y Glyn waterfalls. The view from here is incredible. Taff Trail – Merthyr to Cardiff takes around 2 hours.
Taff Trail Talybont on its own is an experience. The circular cycle route, or walking route, takes you around the reservoir, starting at the dam. Following an old tramway, you climb through the woodland area, where there are splendid views over the water to the surrounding hills.
Where to stay
If you know when you’d like to travel, try to book in advance, and as soon as possible. Hotel rooms are cheaper in Cardiff the earlier you book. However, there is a vast array to accommodate all budgets.
Future Inns
Future Inn Cardiff Bay is a cycle-friendly hotel. The spacious bedrooms can sleep up to four guests, and there is free parking and free WiFi. Outside there is a secure cycle rack, or you can keep the bike in your bedroom. There’s also a guest laundry room with a washing machine and tumble dryer if you want to refresh your cycle wear.
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So, did you know you can get 2 for 1 on meals or 50% off food with a Tastecard? There are independent and chain restaurants to choose from and a variety of cuisines. Get a 3-month free trial here:
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